U.S. patent number 10,258,842 [Application Number 14/961,185] was granted by the patent office on 2019-04-16 for golf club head including mechanical and adhesive joints.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Karsten Manufacturing Corporation. The grantee listed for this patent is Karsten Manufacturing Corporation. Invention is credited to Raymond J. Sander.
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United States Patent |
10,258,842 |
Sander |
April 16, 2019 |
Golf club head including mechanical and adhesive joints
Abstract
A golf club head includes a metallic section, a polymeric
section, and an adhesive material. The metallic section defines an
opening and the polymeric section extends over the opening. The
adhesive material is disposed between the metallic section and the
polymeric section to form an adhesive joint therebetween. The
adhesive joint has an adhesive retaining strength configured to
inhibit the polymeric section from being detached from the metallic
section when the adhesive material is at least partially cured. The
metallic section and the polymeric section are also mechanically
engaged with one another to form a mechanical joint therebetween
having a mechanical retaining strength configured to inhibit the
polymeric section from being detached from the metallic section.
The adhesive retaining strength of the adhesive joint, alone, is
greater than the mechanical retaining strength of the mechanical
joint, alone, only when the adhesive material is at least partially
cured.
Inventors: |
Sander; Raymond J. (Benbrook,
TX) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Karsten Manufacturing Corporation |
Phoenix |
AZ |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Karsten Manufacturing
Corporation (Phoenix, AZ)
|
Family
ID: |
58799521 |
Appl.
No.: |
14/961,185 |
Filed: |
December 7, 2015 |
Prior Publication Data
|
|
|
|
Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20170157474 A1 |
Jun 8, 2017 |
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B
21/4031 (20151001); A63B 21/078 (20130101); A63B
22/0605 (20130101); A63B 53/0466 (20130101); A63B
53/0475 (20130101); A63B 22/0005 (20151001); A63B
22/0012 (20130101); A63B 21/4029 (20151001); A63B
23/03575 (20130101); A63B 23/1245 (20130101); B29C
65/565 (20130101); B29C 66/124 (20130101); A63B
53/045 (20200801); B21K 17/00 (20130101); A63B
21/0724 (20130101); B29C 65/58 (20130101); A63B
2209/00 (20130101); B29C 65/72 (20130101); A63B
60/002 (20200801); A63B 60/52 (20151001); A63B
2022/0652 (20130101); A63B 22/0694 (20130101); B29C
66/1182 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A63B
53/04 (20150101); B29C 65/72 (20060101); B29C
65/58 (20060101); B29C 65/00 (20060101); B29C
65/56 (20060101); A63B 60/00 (20150101); A63B
60/52 (20150101); B21K 17/00 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;473/345,335,336,375 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Pierce; William
Claims
The invention claimed is:
1. A golf club head for a golf club, the golf club head comprising:
a metallic section including a face and a frame, the face and frame
defining a first opening, and the frame projecting from the face
and extending continuously around the first opening; a polymeric
section extending over and covering the first opening, the
polymeric section including a sole and a crown that cooperatively
define a second opening; an adhesive material disposed between the
metallic section and the polymeric section forming an adhesive
joint therebetween, the adhesive joint binding the polymeric
section to the metallic section; and a mechanical joint interposed
between and mechanically coupling the metallic and polymeric
sections, the mechanical joint including a flange protruding from
one of the polymeric section or the metallic section, and a channel
recessed into the other of the polymeric section or the metallic
section, the channel seating therein the flange and the adhesive
joint, the channel including first and second adjoining walls at
least partially surrounding the flange and the adhesive joint, the
flange surrounding the first and second openings, and the channel
surrounding the first and second openings, the mechanical joint
further including first and second projections protruding from
first and second sides, respectively, of the flange, the first and
second projections abutting the first and second walls,
respectively, to thereby form an interference fit between the
channel and the flange.
2. The golf club head, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the
adhesive material is configured to cure; wherein an adhesive
retaining strength of the adhesive joint is configured to be
greater than a mechanical retaining strength of the mechanical
joint when the adhesive material is at least partially cured; and
wherein the mechanical joint is operative to hold the polymeric
section in attachment with the metallic section until the adhesive
material is at least partially cured.
3. The golf club head, as set forth in claim 2, wherein the
adhesive retaining strength is configured to be no greater than the
mechanical retaining strength of the mechanical joint when the
adhesive material is not at least partially cured.
4. The golf club head, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the
mechanical joint is operative to mechanically align the polymeric
section over the first opening relative to the metallic
section.
5. The golf club head, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the
metallic section comprises a metallic material and the polymeric
section comprises a polymeric material, and wherein the metallic
material is selected from the group consisting of a titanium alloy,
a steel alloy, a stainless steel, and an amorphous metal alloy.
6. The golf club head, as set forth in claim 5, wherein the
polymeric material comprises an injection molded polyamide.
7. The golf club head, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the
metallic section includes the flange, and the polymeric section
includes the channel.
8. The golf club head, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the
metallic section and the polymeric section each includes a
retention feature configured to mechanically engage one another to
form the mechanical joint therebetween.
9. A wood type golf club head comprising: a forward section
including a face and a frame, the face and frame defining a first
opening, and the frame projecting from the face and extending
continuously around the first opening; a body bonded to the forward
section and covering the first opening, the body including a first
polymeric section and a second polymeric section that cooperatively
define a second opening; an adhesive material disposed between the
body and the forward section and between a portion of the first
polymeric section and the second polymeric section to form an
adhesive joint therebetween, the adhesive joint binding the first
polymeric section to the second polymeric section when the adhesive
material is at least partially cured; and a mechanical joint
interposed between and mechanically coupling the body, the forward
section, and the first and second polymeric sections, the
mechanical joint including a first flange protruding from one of
the first polymeric section or the second polymeric section, a
second flange protruding from one of the body or the forward
section, a first channel recessed into the other of the first
polymeric section or the second polymeric section, and a second
channel recessed into the other of the body or the forward section,
the first channel seating therein the first flange and including
adjoining walls at least partially surrounding the first flange,
and the second channel seating therein the second flange and
including first and second adjoining walls at least partially
surrounding the second projection, the second flange surrounding
the first and second openings, and the second channel surrounding
the first and second openings, the mechanical joint further
including first and second projections protruding from first and
second sides, respectively, of the second flange, the first and
second projections abutting the first and second walls,
respectively, of the second channel to thereby form an interference
fit therebetween.
10. The golf club head, as set forth in claim 9, wherein an
adhesive retaining strength of the adhesive joint is configured to
be no greater than a mechanical retaining strength of the
mechanical joint when the adhesive material is not at least
partially cured.
11. The golf club head, as set forth in claim 9, wherein the first
polymeric section and the second polymeric section each comprise an
injection molded polyamide material.
12. The golf club head, as set forth in claim 9, wherein the
forward section comprises a metallic material selected from a group
consisting of a titanium alloy, a steel alloy, stainless steel, and
an amorphous metal alloy.
13. The golf club head, as set forth in claim 9, wherein the first
and second projections include a first plurality of dimples and a
second plurality of dimples, respectively, that mechanically
engaged an inner surface of the second channel.
14. The golf club head, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the
metallic section further includes a sole adjoining a lower portion
of the face, and a topline adjoining an upper portion of the
face.
15. The golf club head, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the first
and second projections snap-fit into the channel to thereby create
the mechanical joint.
16. The golf club head, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the frame
is integrally formed with the face, and wherein the sole and crown
are mechanically attached together to cooperatively define the
second opening.
17. The golf club head, as set forth in claim 16, wherein the
flange adjoins and protrudes from the frame, and the adjoining
walls of the channel protrude from the polymeric section.
18. The golf club head, as set forth in claim 1, wherein at least a
portion of the adhesive material at least partially surrounds the
flange.
19. The golf club head, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the first
and second projections include a first plurality of dimples and a
second plurality of dimples, respectively, that are mechanically
engaged with an inner surface of the first and second adjoining
walls of the channel.
20. A golf club head for a golf club, the golf club head
comprising: a metallic section with a face and a frame, the face
and frame defining a first opening, and the frame projecting from
the face and extending continuously around the first opening,
wherein the face is integrally formed with the frame; a polymeric
section extending across and covering the first opening, the
polymeric section including a sole attached to a crown to
cooperatively define a second opening; a mechanical joint
interposed between and coupling the metallic and polymeric
sections, the mechanical joint including a flange protruding from
the metallic section and a channel defined by the polymeric
section, the flange and channel both surrounding the first and
second openings, the channel including first and second adjoining
walls seating therein the flange, and the flange including first
and second projections abutting the first and second walls,
respectively, to close off the channel and form an interference fit
between the channel and the flange; and an adhesive material
disposed inside the channel and at least partially surrounding the
flange, the adhesive material forming an adhesive joint between and
thereby binding the metallic section and the polymeric section.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates generally to a golf club head
including a combination of a mechanical joint and an adhesive
joint.
BACKGROUND
A golf club may generally include a club head disposed on the end
of an elongate shaft. During play, the club head may be swung into
contact with a stationary ball located on the ground in an effort
to project the ball in an intended direction and with a desired
vertical trajectory.
Many design parameters must be considered when forming a golf club
head. For example, the design must provide enough structural
resilience to withstand repeated impact forces between the club and
the ball, as well as between the club and the ground. The club head
must conform to size requirements set by different rule setting
associations, and the face of the club must not have a coefficient
of restitution above a predefined maximum (measured according to
applicable standards). Assuming that certain predefined design
constraints are satisfied, a club head design for a particular loft
can be quantified by the magnitude and location of the center of
gravity, as well as the head's moment of inertia about the center
of gravity and/or the shaft.
The club's moment of inertia relates to the club's resistance to
rotation (particularly during an off-center hit), and is often
perceived as the club's measure of "forgiveness." In typical club
designs, high moments of inertia are desired to reduce the club's
tendency to push or fade a ball. Achieving a high moment of inertia
generally involves moving mass as close to the perimeter of the
club as possible (to maximize the moment of inertia about the
center of gravity), and as close to the toe as possible (to
maximize the moment of inertia about the shaft). In iron-type golf
club heads, this desire for increased moments of inertia have given
rise to designs such as the cavity-back club head and the hollow
club head.
While the moment of inertia affects the forgiveness of a club head,
the location of the center of gravity behind the club face (and
above the sole) generally affects the trajectory of a shot for a
given face loft angle. A center of gravity that is positioned as
far rearward (away from the face) and as low (close to the sole) as
possible typically results in a ball flight that has a higher
trajectory than a club head with a center of gravity placed more
forward and/or higher.
While a high moment of inertia is obtained by increasing the
perimeter weighting of the club head or by moving mass toward the
toe, an increase in the total mass/swing weight of the club head
(i.e., the magnitude of the center of gravity) has a strong,
negative effect on club head speed and hitting distance. Said
another way, to maximize club head speed (and hitting distance), a
lower total mass is desired; however a lower total mass generally
reduces the club head's moment of inertia (and forgiveness).
In the tension between swing speed (mass) and forgiveness (moment
of inertia), it may be desirable to place varying amounts of mass
in specific locations throughout the club head to tailor a club's
performance to a particular golfer or ability level. In this
manner, the total club head mass may generally be categorized into
two categories: structural mass and discretionary mass.
Structural mass generally refers to the mass of the materials that
are required to provide the club head with the structural
resilience needed to withstand repeated impacts. Structural mass is
highly design-dependent, and provides a designer with a relatively
low amount of control over specific mass distribution. On the other
hand, discretionary mass is any additional mass that may be added
to the club head design for the sole purpose of customizing the
performance and/or forgiveness of the club. In an ideal club
design, the amount of structural mass would be minimized (without
sacrificing resiliency) to provide a designer with a greater
ability to customize club performance, while maintaining a
traditional or desired swing weight.
SUMMARY
A golf club head includes a metallic section and a polymeric
section. The metallic section includes a face and the metallic
section defines an opening. The polymeric section extends over the
opening and is adhered to the metallic section to form an adhesive
joint therebetween. The adhesive joint has an adhesive retaining
strength that is configured to inhibit the polymeric section from
being detached from the metallic section. The metallic section and
the polymeric section are physically engaged with one another to
form a mechanical joint therebetween. The mechanical joint has a
mechanical retaining strength configured to inhibit the polymeric
section from being detached from the metallic section. The adhesive
retaining strength of the adhesive joint is greater than the
mechanical retaining strength of the mechanical joint.
In another aspect of the disclosure, a golf club head includes a
forward section, a body, and an adhesive material. The forward
section includes a face. The body is bonded to the forward section
and includes a first polymeric section and a second polymeric
section. The adhesive material is disposed between a portion of the
first polymeric section and the second polymeric section to form an
adhesive joint therebetween. The adhesive joint has an adhesive
retaining strength configured to inhibit the first polymeric
section from being detached from the second polymeric section when
the adhesive material is at least partially cured. The first
polymeric section and the second polymeric section are mechanically
engaged with one another to form a mechanical joint therebetween
having a mechanical retaining strength configured to inhibit the
first polymeric section from being detached from the second
polymeric section. The adhesive retaining strength of the adhesive
joint is greater than the mechanical retaining strength of the
mechanical joint when the adhesive material is at least partially
cured.
The golf club head is provided with a mechanical joint having a
mechanical retaining strength that is not otherwise configured to
withstand the loads and forces associated with impact between the
golf club head and a golf ball, while still ensuring that the
polymeric section and the metallic section are mechanically secured
together until a sufficient cure time has passed and the adhesive
material is at least partially cured. Therefore, the mechanical
joint is configured with withstand the rigors shipment of the golf
club head, subsequent manufacturing steps, and the like, when the
adhesive material is not yet at least partially cured. Thus, the
golf club head can be manufactured more quickly and/or be
manufactured without having to use fixtures to hold the polymeric
section relative to the metallic section, while waiting for the
adhesive material to cure.
The above features and advantages and other features and advantages
of the present technology are readily apparent from the following
detailed description when taken in connection with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of the rear portion of an
iron-type, hollow golf club head.
FIG. 2 schematic perspective view of the rear portion of the golf
club head of FIG. 1, with the face removed.
FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the golf club head of
FIG. 1, taken along line 3-3.
FIG. 3A is a schematic enlarged perspective view of the area marked
"FIG. 3A" provided in FIG. 3.
FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of the golf club head of
FIG. 1, taken along line 4-4.
FIG. 4A is a schematic perspective view of the area marked "FIG.
4A" provided in FIG. 4.
FIG. 5 schematic enlarged perspective view of the area marked "FIG.
5" provided in FIG. 1.
FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of a wood-type golf club
head.
FIG. 7 is a schematic exploded cross-sectional side view of the
golf club head of FIG. 6, taken along line 7-7.
FIG. 8 is a schematic partial cross-sectional side view of the golf
club head of FIG. 7, taken along line 8-8.
FIG. 9 is a schematic exploded view of the polymeric section of the
golf club head provided in FIG. 6.
FIG. 10 is a is a schematic perspective view of a lower portion of
a polymeric section of a golf club head affixed to a metallic
section of the golf club head.
FIG. 11 is a schematic exploded partial cross-sectional side view
of the polymeric section of the golf club head of FIG. 6, taken
along line 11-11.
FIG. 12 is a schematic partial cross-sectional side view of the
polymeric section of the golf club head of FIG. 6, taken along line
12-12.
FIG. 13 is a schematic exploded perspective bottom view of another
wood-type golf club head having a metallic section and a polymeric
section.
FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective bottom view of the golf club
head of FIG. 13.
FIG. 15 is a schematic partial cross-sectional side view of the
golf club head, taken along line 15-15 of FIG. 14.
FIG. 16 is a schematic partial cross-sectional side view of the
golf club head, taken along line 16-16 of FIG. 14.
FIG. 17 is a schematic perspective view of an underside of the
polymeric section provided in FIG. 13.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used
to identify like or identical components in the various views,
FIGS. 1 and 2 schematically illustrate a hollow golf club head 10
that includes a forward or metallic section ("metallic section 12")
and a body or polymeric section ("polymeric section 14"). The
metallic section 12 defines an opening 36. The polymeric section 14
covers the opening 36 and is attached to the metallic section 12
such that at least one mechanical joint 16 and at least one
adhesive joint 18 is formed between the sections 12, 14. Referring
to FIG. 3, a closed internal cavity 20 is defined between the
metallic section 12 and the polymeric section 14.
Referring now to FIGS. 2-4, the metallic section 12 includes a face
22, a lower portion ("sole 24"), an upper portion ("topline 26"), a
rear wall 28, and a hosel 30. Referring specifically to FIGS. 3 and
4, the sole 24 extends on an underside of the club head 10 from a
toe portion 32 to a heel portion 34 and extends between the face 22
and the rear wall 28. As such, the sole 24 is configured to contact
the ground when the club head 10 is held in a neutral hitting
position. The rear wall 28 of the face 22 extends between the bole
24 and the topline 26, with the rear wall 28 extending opposite the
face 22.
The topline 26 is disposed in spaced relationship to the sole 24.
The topline 26 extends from the toe portion 32 to the heel portion
34, between the face 22 and the rear wall 28. The topline 26
provides structural support or reinforcement for the face 22.
The metallic section 12 is formed from a metallic material, through
any suitable process, including, for example, stamping, forging, or
casting. Additionally, the face 22 may either be integrally formed
with the metallic section 12, or else, may be separately fabricated
and affixed to the metallic section 12 through, for example,
welding, brazing, or gluing. The metallic section 12 may be formed
from a metal or metal alloy, including, for example, alloys of
steel (e.g., AISI type 1020 or AISI type 8620 steel), stainless
steel (e.g., AISI type 304, AISI type 431, or AISI type 630
stainless steel) or titanium (e.g., Ti-6Al-4V Titanium alloy),
however other metal alloys, metal amorphous alloys, and/or
non-metallic materials known in the art may similarly be used.
In one configuration, the polymeric section 14 may include a
polymeric material having a yield strength that is great enough to
withstand the repeated stresses imparted by the ball impact with
the face 22 of the metallic section 12. Examples of such material
may include one or more polyamides, polyimides, polyamide-imides,
polyetheretherketones (PEEK), polycarbonates, engineering
polyurethanes, and/or other similar materials. In general, the
polymeric material may be either thermoplastic or thermoset. In one
configuration, a suitable material may be a structural polymer that
has a tensile strength of at least about 180 MPa (according to ASTM
D638), while in other configurations it may have a tensile strength
of at least about 220 MPa. For example, in one configuration, the
polymeric material may be an aliphatic polyamide that is filled
with a carbon filler material, such as chopped carbon fiber.
Further, in one configuration, a suitable material may be a
structural polymer that has a tensile modulus of at least 25,000
MPa (according to ASTM D638), while in other configurations it may
have a tensile modulus of at least 30,000 MPa.
With reference to FIGS. 3, 3A, 4, 4A, 5, the polymeric section 14
is adhered to the metallic section 12 with an adhesive material 68
that is curable, such that the adhesive joint 18 is formed
therebetween. The adhesive joint 18 exhibits an adhesive retaining
strength configured to inhibit the polymeric section 14 from being
detached from the metallic section 12. The adhesive material 68 is
curable, such that the adhesive retaining strength of the adhesive
joint 18 increases as a function of the amount of cure of the
adhesive material 68.
However, in general, while polymers may provide weight saving
advantages, certain polymers, such as polyamides, may be difficult
to adhere due to their low surface energies. Therefore, an adhesive
material 68 having a long cure time may be required in order to
achieve an adhesive retaining strength that is suitable to prevent
the polymeric section 14 from being detached from the metallic
section 12. Further, a fixture may be required to hold the
polymeric section 14 in position relative to the metallic section
12 until the suitable adhesive retaining strength is achieved, thus
increasing the amount of time to assemble the club head 10. The
present design addresses this adhesion problem, however, by
incorporating a physical engagement of the polymeric section 14
with the metallic section 12 to form the mechanical joint 16
therebetween. As will be explained in more detail below, the
mechanical joint 16 may be formed via at least one type of
mechanical attachment, e.g., interference fit, clip, detent, dowel
pin, etc. The mechanical joint 16 exhibits a mechanical retaining
strength that is also configured to inhibit the polymeric section
14 from being detached from the metallic section 12.
Referring now to FIGS. 3A and 4A, the adhesive material 68 is
disposed between the metallic section 12 and the polymeric section
14 to form the adhesive joint therebetween. Since the adhesive
retaining strength of the adhesive joint 18 increases as a function
of the amount of cure of the adhesive material 68, the mechanical
retaining strength of the mechanical joint 16, alone, is greater
than the adhesive retaining strength of the adhesive joint 18,
alone, only until the adhesive material 68 is partially cured, as
will be explained in more detail below. Hence, once the adhesive
material 68 is partially cured, the adhesive retaining strength of
the adhesive joint 18, alone, is sufficient to prevent the
polymeric section 14 from being detached from the metallic section
12.
The adhesive material 68 may include any substance that cures, or
otherwise hardens, to adhere to both the polymeric section 14 and
the metallic section 12, while also binding the polymeric section
14 to the metallic section 12 to form the adhesive joint 18. The
adhesive material 68 is suitable to bond with both the metallic
material of the metallic section 12 and the polymeric material of
the polymeric section 14, to form the adhesive joint 18. Such an
adhesive material 68 may include epoxy adhesives, methacrylate
adhesives, urethane adhesives, and the like. By way of a
non-limiting example, the adhesive material may include a two-part
acrylic epoxy such as DP-810, available from the 3M Company of St.
Paul, Minn. While most adhesives will readily bond to metals,
typical bond strengths to polymers are comparatively lower, since
such polymers may have lower surface energy.
In one embodiment, in order to improve an adhesive bonding strength
of the adhesive material 68 with the polymeric material of the
polymeric section 14, the polymeric section 14 may be pre-treated
prior to assembly. Surface modification techniques may be used to
change the chemical composition of the surface of the polymeric
section 14 to increase the surface energy and allow a broader
number of adhesives to be considered. These techniques may include
flame, corona or plasma treatment, acid etching or use of solvent
based adhesion promoters that contain higher surface energy resins
which entangle with the low surface energy substrate when the
solvent swells the surface. Once the surface is modified it is
easier for the adhesive material 68 to flow out on or wet the
treated surface and make a suitable bond.
As already mentioned, the adhesive material 68 requires curing for
over a duration of time (i.e., a cure time) until the adhesive
material 68 is at least partially cured, before the polymeric
section 14 is inhibited from being detached from the metallic
section 12. Hence, the mechanical retaining strength of the
mechanical joint 16, alone, is sufficient to inhibit the polymeric
section 14 from being detached from the metallic section 12, while
the adhesive material 68 cures. As such, the mechanical joint 16
exhibits a mechanical retaining strength that is sufficient to
prevent the polymeric section 14 from being detached from the
metallic section 12, while the golf club head 10 is being
assembled, shipped, and the like. Therefore, the mechanical joint
16 is configured to provide the functionality of fixtures, jigs,
clamps, and the like, that may otherwise be used during manufacture
of the golf club head 10 to prevent the polymeric section 14 from
being detached from, or otherwise moved relative to, the metallic
section 12, during assembly.
The point in time when the adhesive retaining strength of the
adhesive material 58, alone, is partially cured is the point in
time when the polymeric section 14 is prevented from being detached
from the metallic section 12, irrespective of the mechanical
retaining strength provided by the mechanical joint 16. Therefore,
the point in time when the adhesive material 68 has partially cured
(e.g., 15 minutes, 2 hours, etc.) is the point in time when the
adhesive retaining strength of the adhesive joint 18 has increased
to be at least equal to the mechanical retaining strength of the
mechanical joint 16.
Further, the adhesive material 68 continues to cure from the point
in time of being partially cured to a point in time when the
adhesive retaining strength of the adhesive material 68 increases
to achieve a working strength and, eventually, increases to achieve
the strength of a full cure. The working strength of the adhesive
material 68 is defined as being when the adhesive material 68
reaches a strength that is sufficient for the club head 10 to
withstand a load experienced when impacting the face 22 of the golf
club head 10 with a golf ball at a desired swing speed, such that
the polymeric section 14 is not detached from the metallic section
12. As such, when the adhesive retaining strength of the adhesive
material 68 is at least equal to the working strength, the adhesive
retaining strength, alone, is sufficient to withstand a load
experienced between the face 22 of the golf club head 10 and a golf
ball, at the desired swing speed of at least 150 miles per hour
(mph). More preferably, the adhesive retaining strength, alone, is
sufficient to withstand a load experienced between the face 22 of
the golf club head 10 and a golf ball at the desired swing speed of
at least 95 mph. Even more preferably, the adhesive retaining
strength, alone, is sufficient to withstand a load experienced
between the face 22 of the golf club head 10 and a golf ball at the
desired swing speed of at least 50 mph.
Additionally, by way of one non-limiting example, the working
strength of the adhesive material 68 may be achieved when the
adhesive material 68 is at roughly 60% of the strength exhibited
when the adhesive material 6 is at the full cure. It should be
appreciated, however, that the working strength of the adhesive
material 68 may be attained when the adhesive material 68 is at
different percentage of the full cure, so long as the adhesive
retaining strength of the adhesive joint 18, alone, is sufficient
to withstand the load experienced between the face 22 of the golf
club head 10 and a golf ball, at the desired swing speed.
Therefore, once the adhesive material 68 is fully cured, the
adhesive retaining strength is at a maximum, i.e., at its final
bond strength.
Conversely, since the mechanical joint 16 is only configured to
exhibit a mechanical retaining strength that is suitable to hold
the polymeric section 14 relative to the metallic section 12 during
assembly and shipping of the club head 10, the mechanical retaining
strength of the mechanical joint 16, alone, is not configured to be
capable of withstanding a load experienced by the club head 10 when
impacting the face 22 and a golf ball with a swing speed of at
least 50 mph.
Referring again to FIGS. 3, 3A, and 4, the mechanical joint 16 and
the adhesive joint 18 are shown. The mechanical joint 16 is shown
as being formed via a mechanical engagement between the polymeric
section 14 and the metallic section 12. The rear wall 28 of the
metallic section 12 defines an opening 36 and includes a receiving
portion 38 that at least partially surrounds the opening 36. The
receiving portion 38 is recessed within the rear wall 28 and
includes a peripheral wall 44 and a ledge 40. The peripheral wall
44 extends inwardly from the rear wall 28, toward the face 22, to
present an inwardly facing surface 46. The ledge 40 extends
generally perpendicularly from the peripheral wall 44 to present an
outwardly facing surface 42, configured to support the polymeric
section 44.
With continuing reference to FIGS. 3, 3A, and 4, the polymeric
section 14 includes a first surface 50 and a second surface 52,
opposing the first surface 50. An outer wall 54 extends between the
first and second surfaces 50, 52 to surround the polymeric section
14.
The adhesive material 68 is applied to the outwardly facing surface
42, the inwardly facing surface 46, and/or the first surface 50
before the polymeric section 14 is positioned in the receiving
portion 38 to cover the opening 36. After the polymeric section 14
is positioned in the receiving portion 38 to cover the opening 36,
the adhesive material 68 may be disposed between the first surface
50 and/or the outer wall 54 of the polymeric section 14 and the
corresponding outwardly facing surface 44 of the ledge 40 and/or
the inwardly facing surface 46 of the peripheral wall 44 to form
the adhesive joint 18 therebetween.
With specific reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 3A, 4, and 5, the
peripheral wall 44 of the metallic section 12 may include at least
one first retention feature 48 and the outer wall 54 of the
polymeric section 14 may include at least one second retention
feature 56. After the polymeric section 14 is inserted within the
receiving portion 38 to cover the opening 36, each first retention
feature 48 may be disposed in corresponding relationship to each
second retention feature 56, such that the first and second
retention features 48, 56 mechanically engage one another to form
the mechanical joint 16 therebetween, i.e., interlock with one
another. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the club head 10 may include
more than one mechanical joint 16, i.e., one mechanical joint 16
for each corresponding first and second retention feature 48,
56.
The first and second retention features 48, 56 may be protrusions,
recesses, detents, grooves, slots, and the like, formed into, or
on, the respective peripheral wall 44 and outer wall 54. As best
shown in FIGS. 2, 3A, and 5, the first retention features 48 may be
slots and the second retention features 56 may be protrusions 58.
The protrusions 58 are illustrated as having a hemispherical shape.
It should be appreciated that the first and second retention
features 48, 56 of FIGS. 1-5 are schematically illustrated and are
not intended to be shown in scale. Therefore, the first and second
retention features 48, 56 are actually configured to provide a
sufficient interference to allow for the compressibility of the
polymeric material of the polymeric section 14 when snapping or
attaching the polymeric section 14 to the metallic section 12 to
form the mechanical joint 16. As such, in one configuration, the
interference may be between approximately 0.01 and 0.02 millimeters
(mm). However, other interferences are also possible, and may be a
function of the material properties of the polymeric material of
the polymeric section 14.
Alternatively, the mechanical joint 16 may be formed via an
interference fit between the metallic and polymeric sections 12,
14. More specifically, in one embodiment, the peripheral wall 44 of
the metallic section 12 and the outer wall 54 of the polymeric
section 14 may be sized to interference with one another and
provide an interference fit therebetween. As previously described,
the interference may be between 0.01 and 0.02 mm, but other
interferences are also possible, and would be a function of the
material properties of the polymeric material of the polymeric
section 14.
As previously described, the mechanical retaining strength,
provided by the mechanical joint 16, alone, is greater than the
adhesive retaining strength, provided by the adhesive joint 18,
alone, up until the adhesive material 68 is at least partially
cured. Thus, the mechanical joint 16 is configured to provide
enough retaining strength to prevent separation of the polymeric
section 14 from the metallic section 12 at the time of assembly and
shipment, such that fixtures, jigs, etc. may not be required. Then,
once the adhesive material 68 is at least partially cured, the
adhesive retaining strength, alone, is at least equal to the
mechanical retaining strength, provided by the mechanical joint(s)
16, alone. As the adhesive material 68 continues to cure, the
adhesive retaining strength of the adhesive material 68 increases
and becomes even greater than the mechanical retaining strength of
the mechanical joint 16, alone.
Referring now to the design illustrated in FIGS. 6-12, another
embodiment of the golf club head is shown at 100. The club head 100
is a wood-type golf club head 100 that includes a metallic section
112 and a polymeric section 114. The metallic section 112 defines
an opening 136. The polymeric section 114 covers the opening 136
and is attached to the metallic section 112 along a seam 170 such
that at least one mechanical joint 116 and at least one adhesive
joint 118 is formed between the sections 112, 114. Referring to
FIGS. 7 and 10, a closed internal cavity 120 is defined between the
metallic section 112 and the polymeric section 114.
As generally illustrated in FIG. 6, the metallic section 112
includes a face 122, a frame 176 that surrounds the face 122, and a
hosel 130 that extends from the frame 176. Referring now to FIGS. 7
and 10, the metallic section 112 includes a flange 172 that extends
from the frame 176 to surround the opening 136. The hosel 130 is
configured to receive a shaft adapter or otherwise couple with an
elongate shaft to be gripped by a golfer. The face 122 is intended
to impact a golf ball during a golf swing. Because an impact with a
golf ball can generate considerably large stresses near the point
of impact of the club head 10 with the golf ball, the metallic
section 112 is formed from one or more metallic materials that are
suitable to withstand any expected impact loading. Examples of
suitable material may include, but are not limited to, various
alloys of stainless steel or titanium. The face 122 may be
integrally formed with the frame 176, or else, may be separately
fabricated and affixed to the frame 176 through, for example,
welding, brazing, gluing, and the like.
With reference to FIGS. 7, 9, and 10, the polymeric section 114
includes a sole 124 and a topline ("crown 126"). The polymeric
section 114 is formed from a polymeric material, as previously
described with respect to the club head 10 of FIGS. 1-5. The
polymeric section 114 includes a receiving portion 186
corresponding to at least a portion of the flange 172. The
receiving portion 186 of the polymeric section 114 is configured to
be attached to the flange 172 of the metallic section 112 such that
at least one mechanical joint 116 and at least one adhesive joint
118 is formed between the sections 112, 114.
The receiving portion 186 of the polymeric section 114 includes a
first retention feature 148 configured to mate with the flange 172.
In one non-limiting example, the first retention feature 148 may be
a channel, or other relief, configured to receive the flange 172 in
a tongue-in-groove style. As such, the flange 172 is received by
the first retention feature 148 to form the mechanical joint 116,
which exhibits a mechanical retaining strength. Therefore, the
receiving portion 186 and the flange 172 may be sized so as to
provide an interference fit therebetween. It should be appreciated
that while the flange 172 is illustrated and described as being
provided on the metallic section 112 and the receiving portion 138
is illustrated as being provided on the polymeric section 114, as
shown in FIGS. 7, 9, and 10, the flange 172 may also be provided on
the polymeric section 114 and the receiving portion 138 may be
provided on the metallic section 112 to form the mechanical joint
116.
Referring again to FIGS. 7 and 10, in one non-limiting example, the
flange 172 includes at least one second retention feature 156, such
as, tabs, nubs, projections, and the like, that extend from at
least one side of the flange 172. Accordingly, the first and second
retention features 148, 156 may be sized to provide an interference
fit therebetween when the flange 172 is disposed within first
retention feature 148 of the polymeric section 114, such that the
mechanical joint 116 formed.
Additionally, the adhesive joint 118 is formed when an adhesive
material 68 is disposed between the metallic section 112 and the
polymeric section 114. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the
adhesive material 68 is disposed within the retention feature 148
of the polymeric section 114, such that the adhesive material 68 is
disposed between the retention feature 148 and the flange 172. It
should be appreciated that the adhesive material 68 is not limited
to being disposed within the retention feature 148 and the flange
172, as the adhesive material 68 may be disposed in other
locations, to form the adhesive joint 118 and adhere the polymeric
section 114 to the metallic section 112.
As previously discussed, the adhesive joint 118 exhibits an
adhesive retaining strength that increases as a function of the
amount of cure of the adhesive material 68. Therefore, the
mechanical retaining strength of the mechanical joint 116, alone,
is greater than the adhesive retaining strength of the adhesive
joint 118, alone, only until the point in time when the adhesive
material 68 is partially cured. Hence, once the adhesive material
68 is partially cured, the adhesive retaining strength of the
adhesive joint 118, alone, becomes sufficient to prevent the
polymeric section 114 from being detached from the metallic section
112 when the face 122 of the club head 100 experiences a load from
impact with a golf ball at a desired swing speed.
With continued reference to the polymeric section 114 shown in
FIGS. 7 and 9-12, the club head 100 may include other mechanical
and adhesive joints 116, 118. With specific reference to FIG. 9,
the polymeric section 114 may be a multi-piece construction
including the crown 126 and the sole 124. The crown 126 and the
sole 124 may be joined together in a clamshell-style arrangement to
define at least a portion of the internal cavity 120. With
reference to FIG. 7, the sole 124 and the crown 126 meet at a body
seam 182 that extends around a portion of a perimeter of the
polymeric section 114. In one configuration, the body seam 182 may
approximately divide the polymeric section 114 in half. While FIG.
9 illustrates a body design that includes two portions/components,
other designs may include three or more components.
Referring now to FIGS. 7, 8, 11, and 12, various portions of the
polymeric section 114 may be affixed together to form at least one
mechanical joint 116 and at least one adhesive joint 118
therebetween, by employing a similar tongue-in-groove style joint
as between the metallic section 112 and the polymeric section 114,
as described above. Such a design may promote alignment of the
upper and lower portions 24, 26 with one another and maximize a
total bond surface area such that the adhesive joint 118 resists
removal, via sheer strength, once the adhesive material 68 of the
adhesive joint 118 has at least partially cured.
It should be appreciated, however, that the mechanical joint 116
between the polymeric sections 124, 126 is not limited to being a
tongue-in-groove style joint, as other mechanical joints 116 may
also be employed. Such, mechanical joints 116 may be formed, for
example, by employing a dowel pin to provide a dowel-in-hole style
joint, a retaining clip to provide a clip-in-hole style joint,
and/or the like. A clip-in-hole style joint may be formed using a
retaining clip, such as a Christmas tree style clip that extends
from one of the sections and provides a low insertion force with a
high extraction force. Further, barbs disposed along a post of the
Christmas tree style clip may be configured to provide positive
feedback to an operator, in the form of a clicking noise, as the
clip is inserted into a corresponding hole in the opposite section.
Additionally, using a dowel pin or a retaining clip promotes
alignment between the corresponding sections by virtue of having to
align the dowel or retaining clip with the corresponding hole in
the corresponding section. It should also be appreciated that the
dowel-in-hole style joint and the clip-in-hole style joints are not
limited to being employed between the polymeric sections 124, 126,
but may also be employed between the metallic section 112 and the
polymeric section 114.
In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 and 9-12, the body seam 182
includes a mechanical joint 116 and/or an adhesive joint 118. More
specifically, the sole 124 includes a lip 174 that extends within a
mating receiving portion 186 of the crown 126 to form the body seam
182. FIGS. 11 and 12 provide cross-sectional views of the body seam
182 to more clearly illustrate the lip 174 and receiving portion
186. FIG. 11 illustrates the crown 126 spaced from the sole 124,
where the crown 126 has adhesive material 68 disposed thereon. FIG.
12 illustrates the crown 126 secured to the sole 124 to form the
mechanical joint 116 and the adhesive joint 118 therebetween.
With continued reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, the receiving portion
186 may also include at least one nub 162 and the lip 174 may
include at least one recess 163. When the lip 174 of the sole 124
extends within the receiving portion 186 of the crown 126, the nub
162 is received within the corresponding recess 163, to interlock
the crown 126 to the sole 124, and form the mechanical joint 116
therebetween. Further, the adhesive material 68 may be disposed
between the lip 174 and the receiving portion 186 to provide the
adhesive joint 118 therebetween. It should be appreciated that the
mechanical joint 116 is not limited to having the nub 162 being
formed on the crown 126 and the recess 163 being defined in the lip
174 of the sole 124, as any other suitable arrangement to provide
the mechanical joint 116 may also be employed, so as to secure the
crown 126 to the sole 124 until the bonding adhesive 68 is at least
partially cured, as described above.
Referring to FIGS. 7-10, the crown 126 of the polymeric section 114
may further include a support flange 188 that extends into the
internal cavity 120 and into a channel 178 defined by the sole 124.
More specifically, by way of non-limiting example, the sole 124 may
include a pair of spaced walls 190 that define the channel 178
therebetween. The support flange 188 may serve as a reinforcing
strut that is operative to stiffen the club head 100 (e.g.,
increase one or more modal frequencies) or to allow one or both of
the crown 126 and the sole 124 to be made thinner and/or lighter,
while still maintaining at least a desired minimum stiffness. The
support flange 188 may either directly extend out from the body
seam 182 into the internal cavity 120, or, may more generally lie
in a plane that intersects the body seam 182
In the design provided in FIGS. 7-10, the support flange 188 may
extend into the channel 178 such that a mechanical joint 116 and/or
an adhesive joint 118 are formed therebetween. Similar to the
mechanical and the adhesive joints 116, 118 already described, the
support flange 188 may be secured and adhered using a
tongue-in-groove-style joint that maximizes bond surface area to
prevent removal, primarily via sheer strength, once the adhesive
material 68 is fully cured.
Referring specifically to FIG. 8, the support flange 188 of FIGS. 7
and 9 extends into the channel 178 that is defined between the two
spaced walls 190. The adhesive material 68 may be disposed in the
channel 178, prior to insertion of the support flange 188, such
that an adhesive joint 118 is formed therebetween.
Further, the walls 190 are spaced a first distance 192 from one
another. The support flange 188 may be configured to have a
thickness that is at least equal to the first distance 192 of the
spaced walls 190. As such, when the support flange 188 is inserted
between the walls 190, an interference fit results, thus forming a
mechanical joint 116 therebetween. By way of a non-limiting
example, the thickness 194 may be slightly larger than the first
distance 192, e.g., between 0.01 and 0.02 mm.
Additionally, referring to the embodiment, shown in FIG. 8, the
walls 190 are spaced a first distance 192 from one another. The
walls 190 may include a first retention feature 148 and the support
flange 188 may include a second retention feature 156. The first
retention feature 148 of the walls 190 may be at least one
protrusion 158 that extends into the channel 178. The second
retention feature 156 of the support flange 188 may similarly
include at least one protrusion 158. Referring to the design
provided in FIG. 8, two projections 158 extend from the walls 190
in facing relationship to one another, such that the two
projections 158 are spaced a first distance 194 from one another.
Likewise, the projections 158 extend from the support flange 188
such that a thickness 196 is defined between the opposing
projections 158 of the support flange 88. There first distance 194
is configured to be less than the thickness 196 such that when the
support flange 188 is inserted into the channel 178, there is no
clearance between the protrusions 158 of the support flange 188 and
the protrusions of the walls 190. Therefore, as the support flange
188 is being inserted into the channel 178, the walls 190 of the
receiving portion 138 and/or the protrusions 158 of the support
flange 188 temporarily deform to allow the protrusions 158 of the
support flange 188 move past the respective protrusions 158 of the
walls 190 to enter the channel 178 and form the mechanical joint
116 therebetween.
Additionally, adhesive material 68 may be disposed within the
channel 178 before insertion of the support flange 88 to also form
the adhesive joint 118 therebetween.
Referring now to the design illustrated in FIGS. 13-17, another
embodiment of the golf club head is shown at 200. The golf club
head 200 is another hollow wood-type golf club head 200, as
described above, that includes a first section ("metallic section"
212) and a second section ("polymeric section 214"). The metallic
section 212 defines an opening 236. The polymeric section 214
covers the opening 236 and is attached to the metallic section 212
such that at least one mechanical joint 216 and at least one
adhesive joint 218 is formed between the sections 212, 214.
Referring to FIG. 14, a closed internal cavity 220 is defined
between the metallic section 212 and the polymeric section 214.
Referring to FIG. 13, the club head 200 includes a face 222, a sole
224, and a hosel 230. More specifically, the metallic section 212
of the club head 200 includes the face 222, a first portion 224A of
the sole 224, and the hosel 230. The metallic section 212 may be
formed from a light-weight metal alloy, as described above.
With continued reference to FIG. 13, the first portion 224A of the
sole 224 of the metallic section 212 may define the opening 236,
and the polymeric section 214 is configured to cover the opening
236. The polymeric section 214 may include a second portion 224B of
the sole 224 such that when the polymeric section 214 is received
in the opening 236, the second portion 224B and the first portion
224A combine to provide the entire sole 224.
With continued reference to FIG. 13, the metallic section 212
includes a receiving portion 238 that extends relative to the first
portion 224A of the sole 224, to at least partially surround the
opening 236. The receiving portion 238 is configured to support the
polymeric section 214, when the polymeric section 214 covers the
opening 236. The receiving portion 238 may include a peripheral
wall 244 that extends generally perpendicularly from the first
portion 224A of the sole 224 and presents an inwardly facing
surface 246. A ledge 240 extends generally perpendicularly from the
peripheral wall 244 to at least partially surround the opening
236.
The polymeric section 214 may be a polymeric component that is
attached to the metallic section 212 in a manner that provides a
mechanical joint 216 and an adhesive joint 218. Referring to FIGS.
13 and 17, the polymeric section 214 includes a first surface 250
and a second surface 252, opposing the first surface 250. The
polymeric section 214 is sized to fit within the recessed portion
of the sole 224 to cover the opening 236 of the metallic section
212, such that at least a portion of the first surface 250 is
operatively supported by the outwardly facing surface 242 of the
ledge 240, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16.
With reference to FIGS. 13-16, the peripheral wall 244 may include
at least one first retention feature 248. More specifically, the
first retention feature 248 may be a slot 284, defined by the
peripheral wall 244. In the present design, the flange may also act
as a first retention feature 248, as explained in more detail
below.
Referring to FIG. 17, the first surface 250 includes a plurality of
second retention features 256. One or more of the second retention
features 256 may be a tab 290 extending generally longitudinally
from a perimeter of the second portion 224B of the sole 224. The
tab 290 corresponds to the slot 284 defined in the peripheral wall
244 of the metallic section 212. Likewise, a plurality of
cantilever snap-fits 286 may extend from the perimeter of the
second portion 224B of the polymeric section 214. More
specifically, in one embodiment, the cantilever snap-fits 286 may
extend generally perpendicularly from the second surface 250 of the
polymeric section 214. The snap-fits 286 are configured to
correspond with an inner edge 288 of the ledge 240. Referring to
FIGS. 16 and 17, three snap-fits 286 extend from the second surface
250 in spaced relationship to one another. It should be appreciated
that the number of snap-fits 286 may be more or less than the four
illustrated in the present design. Each snap-fit 286 includes a
beam 288 that extends from the second surface 252 to a head 289. An
undercut 290 is defined between the beam 288 and the head 289.
Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, during assembly of the club head 200,
the polymeric section 214 is oriented relative to the metallic
section 212 such that the tab 290 is aligned with, and then
inserted into, the slot 284 of the metallic section 212. Next, the
polymeric section 214 is pivoted relative to the slot 284 until the
head of each snap-fit 286 contacts the ledge 240. A force from the
contact causes the head 289 of the snap-fit 286 to deflect, such
that the head 289 moves around the ledge 240 until the undercut 290
engages an underside 292 of the ledge 240, opposite the sole 224,
to form a mechanical joint 216 therebetween. Therefore, the
polymeric section 214 may be forced toward the metallic section 212
until all of the snap-fits 286 are engaged with the underside 292
of the ledge 240, to form four mechanical joints 216.
As generally shown in FIG. 14, the polymeric section 214 may be
secured to the metallic section 212 such that the polymeric section
214 entirely covers the opening 236. The mechanical and adhesive
joints 216, 218 are formed, thus providing the same functionality
and the same benefits, as described previously with respect to the
mechanical and adhesive joints 16, 18 of FIGS. 1-5.
Additionally, prior to mechanically attaching the polymeric section
214 to the metallic section 212 to form the mechanical joints 216,
the adhesive material 68 is disposed on the metallic section 212
and/or the polymeric section 214 such that the adhesive material 68
becomes disposed between the polymeric section 214 and the metallic
section 212 when the polymeric section 214 is mechanically attached
to the metallic section 212. In the embodiment shown in FIGS.
13-17, the adhesive material 68 is disposed within the receiving
portion 238 of the metallic section 212, such that the adhesive
material 68 is disposed between the ledge 240 of the receiving
portion 238 and the first surface 250 of the polymeric section 214.
It should be appreciated that the adhesive material 68 is not
limited to being disposed within the within the receiving portion
238, as the adhesive material 68 may be disposed in other
locations, to form the adhesive joint 218 and adhere the polymeric
section 214 to the metallic section 212.
As previously discussed, the adhesive joint 218 exhibits an
adhesive retaining strength that increases as a function of the
amount of cure of the adhesive material 68. Therefore, the
mechanical retaining strength of the mechanical joints 216, alone,
is greater than the adhesive retaining strength of the adhesive
joint 218, alone, only until the point in time when the adhesive
material 68 is partially cured. Hence, once the adhesive material
68 is partially cured, the adhesive retaining strength of the
adhesive joint 218, alone, becomes sufficient to prevent the
polymeric section 214 from being detached from the metallic section
212 when the face 222 of the club head 200 experiences a load from
impact with a golf ball at a desired swing speed.
It should be appreciated that the disclosure is not limited to the
mechanical joints described and illustrated herein, as other types
of mechanical joints are also contemplated, such that the
mechanical joints have a mechanical strength that is less than the
adhesive strength when the adhesive material 68 is at least
partially cured. Some of the other contemplated mechanical joints
include, but are not limited to, a post press-fit into a hole
defined in a boss.
Further, it should be appreciated that the first and second
retention features shown in the Figures are schematically
illustrated and are not intended to be shown to scale. Therefore,
the first and second retention features are actually configured to
provide a sufficient interference to allow for the compressibility
of the material of the polymeric section when snapping (i.e.,
interlocking, press-fitting, and the like) the polymeric section
onto the metallic section and/or when snapping the upper section to
the lower section. Therefore, in one embodiment, the interference
between the first and second retention features may be between
approximately 0.01 and 0.02 millimeter. However, other
interferences are possible, and are a function of the material
properties of the polymeric section 14.
"A," "an," "the," "at least one," and "one or more" are used
interchangeably to indicate that at least one of the item is
present; a plurality of such items may be present unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise. All numerical values of
parameters (e.g., of quantities or conditions) in this
specification, including the appended claims, are to be understood
as being modified in all instances by the term "about" whether or
not "about" actually appears before the numerical value. "About"
indicates that the stated numerical value allows some slight
imprecision (with some approach to exactness in the value; about or
reasonably close to the value; nearly). If the imprecision provided
by "about" is not otherwise understood in the art with this
ordinary meaning, then "about" as used herein indicates at least
variations that may arise from ordinary methods of measuring and
using such parameters. In addition, disclosure of ranges includes
disclosure of all values and further divided ranges within the
entire range. Each value within a range and the endpoints of a
range are hereby all disclosed as separate embodiment. The terms
"comprises," "comprising," "including," and "having," are inclusive
and therefore specify the presence of stated items, but do not
preclude the presence of other items. As used in this
specification, the term "or" includes any and all combinations of
one or more of the listed items. When the terms first, second,
third, etc. are used to differentiate various items from each
other, these designations are merely for convenience and do not
limit the items.
* * * * *